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AAs measles outbreaks spread, many people are increasingly concerned. New York City declared a public health emergency and imposed mandatory vaccinations in four postal codes where vaccination rates were low. An Israeli flight attendant is in a coma after being infected with the highly contagious disease.
As a professor who teaches immunology, microbiology and public policy related to vaccines, I research the fundamental processes of our body's response to infections and vaccines to generate protective immunity. In my teaching, I work with students to develop an understanding of the complexity of these issues and to encourage them to participate in public debate on these issues in a balanced and informed perspective. Given all the attention given to measles, this is what people who think they have been vaccinated need to know.
I received my vaccines more than 30 years ago. Am I still protected?
Yes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the measles component of the MMR vaccine provides lifetime protection. Portions of mumps and rubella are not as durable. One dose of MMR vaccine protects against measles with 93% effectiveness (that is, 93% of people will benefit from the protective effect of the vaccine), with two doses of the vaccine providing 96-97% efficiency . The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices began recommending two doses of MMR vaccine in 1989 as a result of a measles outbreak in children immunized with a single dose.
I am not sure of having received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Do I need another shot?
Individuals should contact their physician for recommendations on how best to proceed. The CDC recommends that the following be considered "proof of immunity" that would make vaccination unnecessary: written documentation of vaccination; one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine, administered on or after the first birthday of the child, for pre-school children and adults not at high risk; two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-aged and high-risk adults, including students, health care workers and international travelers; proof of immunity in the laboratory; laboratory confirmation of measles; or birth before 1957. Surveys suggest that 95-98% of people born before 1957 were exposed to measles as children, giving them natural protection for life.
See also: 2019 cases of measles could exceed most years in the last ten years
I do not have my vaccination record and I'm not even sure I got a dose. What should I do?
Talk to your supplier. you may need a shot. The CDC recommends that all individuals born after 1957 receive a measles vaccine. Measles is not an actual childhood disease and adults and adolescents should be up to date with their vaccination. If you do not know your immunization status, the best practices would suggest that you talk to your doctor about getting the vaccine. The CDC recommends vaccinating adults against measles as follows: "Adults who do not have evidence of immunity should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine." International travelers, health professionals, women in age of contacts of immunocompromised individuals and people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Should not some people be vaccinated?
Yes. The CDC recommends that you tell your vaccine provider if the person receiving the vaccine:
- has serious life-threatening allergies with any part of this vaccine
- is pregnant or thinks that she might be pregnant
- has a weakened immune system due to a disease (such as cancer or HIV / AIDS) or medical treatments, such as radiation therapy, immunotherapy, steroids or chemotherapy
- has a family member with a history of immune system problems
- has already had a disease that makes them easily bruised or bruised
- recently received a blood transfusion or received other blood products
- to tuberculosis
- has received other vaccines in the last four weeks
- not feeling well
Besides vaccination, is there anything else I can do to stay safe?
Vaccination is the best preventive strategy to prevent measles. As with all contagious infections, good hygiene practices, self-isolation of sick people and avoidance of contact with sick people are also helpful in limiting the contraction and spread of the disease.
This article was originally published on The Conversation by Eyal Amiel. Read the original article here.
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